Page 7 - Spring Green 2024 Visitors Guide

THE HOUSE ON THE ROCK
Alex Jordan’s retreat built atop a chimney of rock opened to the public in 1960. The retreat was only the beginning. Alex used to explain his sprawling creation of collections, displays and galleries by saying that “one thing just sort of led to another.” Since those early days, the world
Alex Jordan created has grown far beyond the original House and into an attraction with many buildings, exhibits and collections.
ONE MAN’S DREAM
It all began in the 1940s when Alex Jordan returned to Deer Shelter Rock where he had picnicked with his family years before. At rst, he built what he called a “shack” but tore it down because he was not satis ed. He then rebuilt and called his creation “The Winter Room” which he used
as a private retreat where he could pursue his interests in music, books and sculpture. In the years that followed he added more rooms. Alex never drew up any plans for the House but built directly from the ideas in his head and was not afraid to tear down, backtrack and re-build if things we not to his liking.
Jordan’s grand project began attracting attention from friends and passersby. As the number of sightseers increased, he built a staircase for them—now a 375-foot ramp through the treetops.
He always intended the House as his private refuge; but in the summer
of 1960 he nally gave in to public pressure and opened the House to the public. Alex told the story this way: “Word got out there was something
to see out here, and people began coming around. They’d holler up, ‘Can we see your place?’ One day we were picnicking, and I said, ‘By golly, I’m
going to charge 50 cents apiece!’ And you know they paid it gladly. Thanked me even more when they left. We drank real Scotch that night!”
The revenue was immediately reinvested in expanding the scope of his dream. What started as a simple “shack,” a sculptor’s retreat, continues to charm and fascinate thousands of visitors from around the world.
PLAN TO VISIT SOON
Since those early days, the world
Alex Jordan created has grown far beyond the original House and into an attraction with many buildings, exhibits and collections. The House on the Rock is open from March 7, 2024 through the end of the year. The days of week, hours of operation and sections that are open vary depending on the time of year.
During the Regular Season (March
7 to November 10, 2024), the full complex (Sections 1,2 and 3) is open and guests may purchase the Ultimate Experience Admission which includes all 3 sections or if you are short on time you may purchase the Highlight Experience Admission (Sections 1 and 2) or the Original House Experience (Section 1).
In Section One you’ll visit the foundation of Alex Jordan’s vision. Section One includes the Asian Garden, the Alex Jordan Center, the Gate House and the Original House and the In nity Room.
Section Two moves from the unique architecture of the House to the imaginative contents and creations of Jordan’s vision. Section Two features the Mill House, Streets of Yesterday, the Heritage of the Sea, the Tribute to Nostalgia, Music of Yesterday, Spirit of Aviation and the Carousel.
Section Three’s focus is on Alex Jordan’s varied and eclectic collections that range from the miniature to the magni cent. Section Three includes the Carousel, the Organ Room, Inspiration Point, The Doll House Room, the Circus Room, the Galleries, the Doll Carousel Room and the Japanese Garden.
During Christmas at The House on the Rock, Sections 1 and 2 of The House on the Rock are transformed with all the splendor and joy of the Christmas season. Santa takes up residence
in a big way! As you stroll through Sections 1 and 2, you’ll be greeted by more than 6,000 collectible Santas of all sizes and types – large, small, fancy and homespun. Sections 1 and 2 are open and Section 3 is closed during Christmas at The House on the Rock. The Christmas experience runs from November 14 through end of year.
For rates, dates and other information, please call (608) 935.3639 or visit our website at www.thehouseontherock.com
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